Obituaries • November 22, 2012

Samuel Rayburn Watkins, 89, Former President Of Associated Industries Of Kentucky

Samuel Rayburn Watkins, 89, died on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012.

Ray was born on April 21, 1923, in Benton, Ky. He was the only child of Samuel Gipson Watkins and Keron
Wyatt Watkins.

He was a graduate of Benton High School and Murray State University, where he was valedictorian. He subsequently received a Masters degree in Communications from the University of Illinois.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1942, and finished his senior year in college at Tufts University in Boston, taking 27 hours in one semester while enrolled in the Navy V-12 officer training program. After midshipman school at Columbia University, he served as Executive Officer and Commander of several sub chasers involved in both Atlantic and Pacific anti-submarine warfare. Discharged as a Lieutenant in 1946, he continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until 1954.

After the war, Ray worked as a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, taught journalism at the University of Illinois, and purchased the Benton Tribune-Democrat. He moved to Louisville in 1950 to work for the newly-formed Louisville Chamber of Commerce, and subsequently served 30 years as President of Associated Industries of Kentucky. As Kentucky’s leading business advocate, he also served as President of the National Labor-Management Foundation, Executive Vice President of the Kentucky Safety Council, Chairman of the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations, Chairman of the National Industrial Council, and President of the American Society of
Association Executives.

Among the many professional recognitions which he received, he most valued receiving the Key Award, which was the highest honor of the American Society of Association Executives, and the Outstanding Alumnus Award from his alma mater, Murray
State University.

He was a member of the Louisville Boat Club and the Pendennis Club, and a former member of the Ocean Club and the St Andrews Club in Delray, Fla.

Ray was predeceased by his wife, the former Evelyn Wise Ellis. He is survived by his son, Samuel Rayburn Watkins, Jr. MD (Donna), his daughter Julia Watkins Davis (Fred), and six grandchildren:

He was the founder and owner of Gumer & Company Jewelry on Hurstbourne Lane. In 1971, he opened Gumer Coin Company on Fourth Street and eventually moved to the Heyburn Building, where he remained until 2003, expanding the inventory into fine jewelry. Today, Gumer and Company Jewelry is a family-run business, which includes his wife, children and their spouses. He graduated from Atherton High School and the University of Kentucky.

Bruce was the son of the late Frances and Isaac “Ike” Gumer. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Myrilan Abney Gumer; three children and their spouses, Jacob and Stephanie Gumer; Amy Gumer Wells and Jon Wells; and Joey and Lindsey Gumer. He was a proud grandfather of Maddox Gumer, Lincoln Gumer, Wesley Gumer, Iris Wells and Oliver Wells. Other survivors include his sister, Arlene (Dr. Judah) Skolnick, brother-in-law, Kenny (Donna) Abney and sister-in-law, Debbie Abney; as well as
10 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Herman Meyer & Son, 1338 Ellison Ave., with burial following in Keneseth Israel Cemetery. Visitation was held after 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Keneseth Israel Congregation.

Amy Vick, 45, Worked For Parker Hannifin

Amy Vick, 45, died Thursday, November 15, 2012 at University Hospital.

She was a native of Louisville and was an employee of Parker Hannifin. Prior to this she was employed for many years at Corner Café.

Survivors include her daughter, Jacqueline Vick and son, Parker Vick; mother, Linda Bales and stepfather, Jerry Bales; father, Joseph Vick and stepmother, Dorothy Vick; sister, Julie Spencer; nieces, Ashley Meyer and Alisha Proffitt; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved her and will miss her smile and laughter.

Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Pearson’s, 149 Breckenridge Lane. Visitation was from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions can be made in care of the family for her children.

William Henry “Bill” Johnson, 85, departed this life on Nov. 12, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Johnson and grandchildren, Christopher and Christina Ellis.

He was retired from Gold Proof Elevator Co. He was a member of Teamsters AFLCIO, Grain Millers and Central Labor Council. He was a 32nd degree mason of the Free and Accepted Masons, Southern Cross Lodge No. 39, Consistory Lodge No. 41 and a member of Joshua Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Visitation was from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at his church, 426 S. 15th St., with the funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday also at the church. Burial was in Green Meadows Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by G.C. Williams Funeral Home.

William P. “Maddog” Maddux, 74, Former Vice President Of The Asbestos Workers’ Local 51

She was a native of McDaniels, Ky., born March 12, 1928, to the late Gilbert F. and Geneva Spencer Glasscock. She was retired from National Distillery. A member of Crescent Hill United Methodist Church, Crescent Hill Chapter of Eastern Star.

Survivors include her two sisters, Kathleen Likens, of Hardinsburg, Ky., and Margaret Belcher; and several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate Jean’s life were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Crescent Hill United Methodist Church, 201 S. Peterson Ave., with an Eastern Star service following. A private burial was held at Cave Hill Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy are requested to her church. Please leave a condolence for the family at www.archlheadycralle.com.

Joan was a member of the Middletown Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was a longtime business owner and real estate broker in Louisville.

Joan was preceded in death by her children, Joseph Anthony and David Bruce Campisano.

Joan is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Costantino “Gus” Campisano; daughter-in-law, Janet Campisano; grandchildren, Anthony Todd and his wife Mary, and Kacy Lauren Campisano; and brother-in-law, Agostino David Campisano.

Visitation was held Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Calvary Cemetery. A memorial service was held Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Whipps Mill Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hosparus of Louisville.